Keeping Up the Hustle
When I am on tour, I like to try to get out to see the city we are in. I have been known to buy bikes on tour so I can really get around and cover more ground, because I think it is important to your art to see what the world is up to. Cruising around European streets, pulling over for an espresso and then maybe visiting a museum or sitting in a park are all things I love to do while on tour. I’ve documented some of my travels on Instagram but the purpose of this video is to offer some insight as to what drives me to work hard: In order to have these amazing experiences, I have to work as hard as I can so I can maintain it.
Big Sir was fortunate enough to tour Europe this spring, and did over a week of dates in Italy alone. One of the best venues in Italy is The Cage Theatre, a beautiful old theatre that is run by great people who love music and art. Our friend, Toto, put us up in this beautiful bed and breakfast spot that had a pool and a perfect view of the Livorno coastline. Although we had time to enjoy the sights and get some downtime, at the end of the day- ya still gotta work! Matthieu Lesenechal (guitar/keyboards in Big Sir) and I room together on tour and I always tell him we have to “post up” and get to working on music. Here, we had to build a backing track for “Smooth Interlude” to perform live.
Whether you’re on a plane, in a van or a hotel, if you have a laptop and headphones, you can put in work. Capture your inspiration when it strikes you. One of the best things that has happened in the digital age is that your workstation is now mobile. You’ll never be bored or inefficient on tour (or in life!) if you have access to a laptop or your instrument. If I can’t sleep at night, I’ll configure pedals in my head or think about how to orchestrate a piece of music. Working your creative mind as much as possible will keep the ideas flowing but, like anything else, taking too much time away from it lessens that flow. I say keep your hustle on till you fall asleep every night and it will eventually lead to great things.
Hey there Juan,
Sometimes I feel like I can’t do anything when I’m not in my zone. My laptop is not great enough quality to make music creation intuitive. It’s really a bummer being in school and working on music with the knowledge that homework is hanging over my head, and it shorts my creativity out. Any suggestions about dealing with that?
PS, watching your vids about pedals has inspired me, and the link under my website will take you directly to a new work in progress I’m playing bass on. I’m using a crummy bass and amp, but a MXR Phase 90, a Marshall Guv’nor 2, an EHX Micro Metal Muff and one of their Memory Boys. It’s bass, keys, and drums, and is inspired by Bowsers Castle from Super Mario Bros 1 and drum and bass tracks. It’s the newest music I’ve created and recorded in months. Thanks in advance, and thanks for the website!
Hey Khalyle, as far as your laptop goes. Maybe its time to invest in a decent one, $500 usd should be more than enough to work with. We’ve progressed far enough along at this point that even low end computers should be able to handle most tracking software. As far as homework, i know from personal experience that there is no easy way to deal with such time constraints. If you can think of creativity an absolute priority in your life, then you will be more willing to set other things aside and make time for it.
I’ve known countless amazing artists/musicians in my life. Most of them have never taken their talents beyond hobby level though because they dont put in the time and work needed to refine their skills and explore new opportunities.
Thanks or the reply Brad. While I would like to make some pocket change off of my music, I’m only looking to make it a self funded hobby and that’s it. I appreciate your advice though. Getting a job to afford nice things is on the todo list, and will hopefully easier to obtain once I get this diploma. TIll then it’s single mic single track recordings for me. Thanks again \m/.
Can’t forget Bolzano workshop n Big Sir gig. And meet three special persons: Juan, Matt & Lisa…BS rulez!!!